Politicians representing rural Maryland counties have their knickers atwist over Governor Martin O'Malley's new smart growth plan, dubbed simply "Plan Maryland." Maryland Juice will soon discuss the bold new initiative, but to give you a sense of the political context, note that Western Maryland counties are banding together to hire a lobbyist to fight "Plan Maryland." Two days ago
Hagerstown's Herald-Mail wrote:
Concerned that a new state planning document will be used to "strong-arm" local governments, the Washington County Board of Commissioners decided Tuesday to join other Western Maryland counties in hiring a lobbyist to protect their interests....
Washington County will join Carroll, Allegany, and Frederick counties in pitching in for the lobbyist, Baker said. Garrett County opted not to contribute, he said.
Today, Maryland Juice notes that two-time GOP gubernatorial candidate Ellen Sauerbrey is now stumping against Plan Maryland.
Is she the lobbyist they've hired?
Not surprising to see the GOP turn smart growth into a partisan issue. Note that the website above appears to be run by
incoming Senate Minority Leader E.J. Pipkin.
Much more on Plan Maryland soon!
